There’s a good fashion crowd in Chicago but a handful that represent the art in it’s truest form: style. Ms. Alex Moresco is one of those people that live in this city and know how to keep and look ‘cool’, ‘in’ or even timelessly chic, ‘One day you can catch me in leather sweatpants and a pair of Adidas high tops, the next in an A-line dress and bright heels’. Originally from the East coast, Alex is quite big on fashion despite being only 21. With an Italian family background, she has a very confident flair about her. A do-er. Very self aware, the young lady does have plenty of time ahead of her to make her global mark but she’s already in the game, so watch this legend-in-the-making grow 😉 , ‘I’m just trying to gain as much experience in as many different things as possible’, until she figures out what she will focus on. A student at DePaul, a stylist and a fashion blogger, young Moresco truly has quite a lot going on but not too far from success. Here’s Alex Moresco everyone, time to get inspired!
You’ve had many options for university. Why Chicago?
When I was college hunting, I knew that I could not handle going to school in the middle of a corn field. I looked at schools all over, but ultimately decided to stay in Chicago. It isn’t as overwhelming as New York, but isn’t too far away like LA. Over all, it’s the perfect fit for me. The people are awesome, the style scene is ever evolving, and the food…don’t even get me started. We have the best restaurants. Between everything going on at any given time, I’m never bored, that’s for sure.
Agreed, people in Chicago are genuinely beautiful inside out. What about their style?
I like that I can find everything I would want in one place. I can go to Wicker Park and shop small boutiques, Michigan Avenue and get big name brands and designers, or Lincoln Park and grab amazing home goods and everything in between. Chicago has everything I could ever want, but still is not overwhelming. The people here are all so friendly and warm…not to mention they have fabulous style. I get some of my best street style inspiration from outfits I see whizzing by on the street. There’s a huge street wear scene here in Chicago, which I had never been exposed to before. I now consider it one of the main elements to my everyday look.
Street style is taking over the world! Some people think Chicago lacks in style. Do you see that change/evolve?
Fashion is always changing and growing, and Chicago is no different. In the last year or so, many designers have opened up gorgeous stores here, which is a nice change…Dolce & Gabbana, YSL, Christian Louboutin…I really hope we see more of that in the future and I’m crossing my fingers that fashion shows of New York stature will follow.
I think we have a melting pot of different styles, which I love. However, there is a major difference between Chicago and New York, London, etc. When I visit New York, I see women and men dressed to the nines during the day, just because they love it. I rarely see that in Chicago, but I would love to see more of it. But, we do have a growing fashion community here, and everyone is so awesome, and I think it’s only getting started which has me excited for the future. I would definitely say that we are very fashionable, and whoever says that simply does not have their eyes open!
Wow, I have a feeling you might be behind a Mercedes Benz-ish sponsored event in the future. Millennium park will not only host Lollapalooza! Besides Millennium Park, the Loop is one of Chicago’s strength and beauty. What do you think of fashion down there?
From what I’ve seen, the loop is more serious and professional because of the big business that’s around that area. I have a lot of classes downtown in DePaul’s loop campus, and everyone is dressed in pant suits and generic business-wear. Then there’s me in my neoprene Wang dress and neon orange heels with a trench coat thrown over it.
That’s a refreshing mix to the crowd down there. It does get serious down there but ever so polished and classic. What would you say inspired your love for fashion?
I’ve just always loved fashion and piecing an outfit together. I style my best friend/ apartment mate, Rachel, almost everyday whether she likes it or not. I think it’s so much fun. I’m not really sure where it came from, although both of my parents are very well dressed. When I was in first and second grade, I use to pick out my Moms outfits when she would volunteer in the classroom. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve explored my fashion sense more and reached outside of my comfort zone quite a bit. I think living in the city for the last three years has helped my fashion sense develop a lot. I get a lot of inspiration from people that I’ve worked with. I assisted Jessica Moazami about a month ago, and just watching her work is so inspiring! Helping someone is the best way to learn. I’m also inspired by a lot of the women here in Chicago doing big things in fashion and business. I try to interview women I look up to in the industry, and their advice is always astounding. Corri McFadden, Lauren Berg, Hillary Sawchuck and Kelly Kane…too cool to sit down with them.
You’re not far off from being one of the top Chicago Fashion pioneers! You’re doing a lot of traveling right now. Where to?
I was just in Omaha with my family to visit Creighton University, where my brother is attending school. I have to say, I fell in love with the city! It is very charming. Right now, I am writing this in Miami. While I could not handle this city year round, I do love the fashion here. The bright colors and everyday style is so different from Chicago. I could get used to it. Next, I’m off to LA for Lucky FABB, which I am beyond excited for. I’m also going to get a tour of the SKINGRAFT showroom while I’m there, one of my favorite designers. Hopefully next it’ll be New York for MBFW.
You must be a role model for your peers in Chicago- what makes you stand out?
That is very kind, but I don’t know about that! Honestly, I just try to do my own thing. I started StreetStyleChi.com after my Freshman year of college at DePaul U. At the time, there really wasn’t anything geared towards the young adult that needs some style help and inspiration. I write about things that I find interesting, and that I feel people my age can benefit from. I focus on Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle. I would have never imagined that it would take me where it has, which also comes with a lot of criticism from people that don’t know me. I’ve just learned to let it roll off my back.
Ok, let’s go back to family (now that you mentioned the Omaha trip) tell us a little more about the Moresco home.
Well, I am very close with my whole family. I like to style my parents (they’re pretty fashionable on their own!) and my little brother…well, not so little anymore. He’s going to college next year! My mom is my best friend and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Hi mom! I’m lucky that my father works out of Chicago when he isn’t traveling for business, so I always get him to take me to new restaurants that I want to try. They are my biggest support system. I also think dogs count as family…I have two at home. Mocha and Ralph Lauren (Yes…named after THAT Ralph Lauren.) My boyfriend is beyond great and always inspires me to push myself to be the best that I can be. He’s super supportive and kind of my rock when I get crazy busy, even if he doesn’t always understand what I do. A night in is always as good as a night out with him. I couldn’t really ask for anything better.
Mmm, I want to hug you now! Tell me your secrets 🙂 Where do you shop, eat, play AND.. how can we stalk you?
Ooooh secrets…let me get my skeletons out of the closet! Just kidding. I do a lot of shopping at Nordstrom. Their designer section has grown and it makes it easy for me to mix and match pieces because I don’t like going for by the book looks. For trendier, everyday items, I love Zara, J.Crew, and Topshop. I am a nontraditional prep, mixing sneaker wedges with a floral dress and baseball jacket. Food has a soft spot in my heart, I am a total Whole Foods junkie. When I don’t feel like cooking for myself, I’ll grab my boyfriend or a few close girlfriends and go out…usually to Sunda or Hub 51. My best friend and I are currently addicted to DMK. It’s so bad, but so good. Hmm…play. Whenever I have something big going on, I get a blowout with Rhona at Blowtique. Nobody can make me look as good as she can! You can stalk me on my site, Instagram and Twitter!
Alex, help me here.. I personally think fashion is becoming more and more casual, more and more street. Did you see Chanel’s fashion show for FW14’? WT….What did you think- ye or nay?
Honestly, I was slightly shocked when I saw the Chanel show. I do like it, but it is not typical Chanel. Cara came out in the ripped joggers and my jaw dropped a little bit, but she rocked it. I’ve noticed that being a little bit undone, and dressing up a pair of jeans instead of let’s say…an Herve Leger dress, has become the new glam. I am actually a big fan of it when it’s done right. I can’t complain…it makes going from class to a fashion event much easier for me with the switch of boots to heels. I recently put on my annual fashion show, For The Sake Of Fashion, benefiting UNICEF. One of the styles I really wanted to convey was high-end womenswear designers (Lagi Nadeau and Christina Karin) mixed with high-end street wear to make it a little more casual. I think a casual, but still polished look will come together naturally.
Ooh, Can we come to the next fashion show you put up 😉 WE LOVE fashion with a cause! Which makes me want to ask… what quote(s) do you live by?
“Fail harder”, and “say little do much.”
Taking risks is just a part of life, and it’s not worth it if you don’t go 100% head first into what you love. Sure, not everything you do will be successful the first time out, but I have discovered that I always learn something valuable from my epic fails. My second saying, “say little do much” is something my mom has always said and I really believe in and live by. Don’t say you’re going to do something…put it into action. ”
Photos by Steven Chellappa.
Here’s what Alex wears in these photos:
